Grudge match as ousted PM seeks revenge

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Kevin Rudd, in Mexico on Monday, said he would return home to discuss what to do nextRonaldo Schemidt

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Julia Gillard, pictured on Monday, is facing a leadership crisis

Anne BarrowcloughSydney

Last updated at 8:18AM, February 22 2012

Julia Gillard called a leadership ballot early today after Kevin Rudd, her
Foreign Minister, announced his resignation — possibly to prepare to
challenge her for the role of Prime Minister.

“For far too long we have seen squabbling in the Labor party,” Ms Gillard
said. “In recent days this has moved to become a distraction from governing
itself.” She said the leadership ballot would be held on Monday.

It means that Australia faces the extraordinary possibility of Mr Rudd
returning to his former job 18 months after he was ruthlessly ousted by Ms
Gillard in an overnight coup.